Life is filled with surprises, opportunities, and
disappointments. There are times when it
is a struggle to face these with hope and optimism. For all of us there are inevitable, uninvited
intruders in our lives such as: offenses, quarrels, unforgiveness, bitterness,
depression, broken relationships, divorce, temptations, failure, loss, pain,
and the list could continue. Some of
these things come in manageable packages and we can brush them off with a
nonchalant “C’est la vie (this is life!).”
Other times it feels like we will be drowned with the rising tide of these
pooled together.

It is true that we find ourselves feeling and facing despair
because we have failed to handle our lives “with prayer!”

God has given to His children (genuine, true Believers) the
powerful weapon of prayer. When we neglect
to pray we wobble, wimp out, or wipe out.
When we fail to grab this weapon by the handle and wield it wisely we
can easily find ourselves flirting with failure, disappointment, or impotence. Why bury your head in the sand pile of “c’est
la vie” when you can have God’s omnipotent help?

We are invited and instructed to pray. Notice these words from the Holy Scriptures.

“Ask
and it shall be given you...” (Mark
7:7);

“Call
unto Me and I will answer you...”
(Jeremiah 33:3);

“Be
careful for nothing (don’t worry about anything) but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6);

“But my
God shall supply all your need...”
(Philippians 4:19);

“You
have not because you ask not” (James
4:2).

This week we want to recommend two needy courses in our Bible
Institute to enhance your knowledge and ability to pray. These are: 20500, The Value of Prayer by
Ray Stedman and 21800, The School of Prayer by Warren
Wiersbe.

We invite you to begin your study today and invite a friend
to do the same.